Staff Correspondent

Sweden will continue to work to enhance partnership with Bangladesh towards sustainable economic growth and inclusive development, Diana Janse, the Swedish State Secretary for International Development Cooperation and International Trade said on Wednesday.

She said this upon ending her two-day visit (October 9-10) to Bangladesh, said a press release from the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka today.

During her visit, the she had constructive discussions with representatives of the Government of Bangladesh, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and State Minster for Foreign Affairs, Md Shahriar Alam, as well as civil society representatives and development partners.

She discussed bilateral trade relations, the business environment and how to further support for the green transition with representatives of Swedish companies.

"Bangladesh is an important and growing trade partner. Sweden will continue to work to enhance this partnership and support Bangladesh’s path towards sustainable economic growth and inclusive development,” said Janse at the end of her visit.

She termed Bangladesh-Sweden ties as multifaceted, dynamic and growing.

In the meetings with Bangladeshi counterparts, discussions revolved around bilateral ties, focusing on areas where Sweden and Bangladesh see possibilities for enhanced partnership, including finding synergies between development and trade, sustainability and the green transition.

Topics related to democracy, including the importance of free, fair and participatory elections, human rights and the situation of the Rohingya refugees were also discussed.

Both sides exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Indo Pacific.

As part of her visit, the State Secretary visited Swedish supported community activities on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and Urban Health Care Services in Dhaka.

She also visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, following up on Swedish support to the crisis.